By the late 60s, the third generation had entered the company. Joining the Padelford kids was Gene’s nephew Gene Emmons. In 1972 the company mourned the loss of its founder, but his memory was preserved in A. J. Padelford Park, established the next year in Artesia. Also that year, the company moved its offices to Pioneer Blvd. & 183rd St. That decade, the company helped up-and-coming Cerritos grow: building Cerritos Plaza, the public library, and the first dealership of the world’s largest auto mall, Cerritos Auto Square.
In the late 70s and early 80s, AJP built Fotomats across the country. As the decade unfolded, A. J. Padelford & Son, Inc. could boast major corporations like Vons, Ralphs, and Home Depot as its clients. The company built Artesia Towne Center and moved its offices there. As Southern California thrived, AJP built luxury shopping centers in neighborhoods like Manhattan Beach, Dana Point and Laguna Hills. The Cerritos Auto Square continued to expand and, eventually, every dealership save one was either built or remodeled by AJP.
